Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has nullified the order relieving Col. Elmer Ragay, chief of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), pending investigation into the case of an abducted 14-year-old Chinese student.
According to Philippines News Agency, in an order issued on March 3, PNP Office of the Chief of Directorial Staff officer-in-charge Maj. Gen. Constancio Chinayog Jr. nullified an order dated Feb. 28 'by command' of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo cited Section 9, Rule IV of the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) Resolution No. 11059, which prohibits transfer or detail of police personnel during the election period.
Fajardo explained that there was a misappreciation regarding the issuance of the relief order. She stated that the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) did not require prior clearance or approval from the Comelec as the February 28 order did not involve the movement or transfer of any PNP personnel.
She clarified that Ragay was not removed from AKG but was only administratively relieved pending the investigation of the Chinese student's abduction case. The administrative relief of Col. Elmer Ragay was determined to be within the provisions of Comelec Resolution 11059, leading to the issuance of the nullification order.
Fajardo assured that Ragay's reinstatement would not affect the investigation, as another PNP unit is conducting the probe with transparency. The investigation involves the entire operation initiated by the AKG, not just Col. Ragay.
The PNP supports Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla's statement that no ransom was paid to secure the victim's freedom. Fajardo refuted a newspaper report claiming that a USD1 million ransom was paid by an unnamed businessman connected to the victim's family, asserting that the operation was a rescue and not a ransom transaction.
Fajardo confirmed that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is handling the investigation into the alleged anomalies of the case.
